Ministry of Science & Technology
FICCI teams up with CSIR-CMERI for dissemination of Advanced Oxygen Technology Manufacturing Prospects and Connecting With Technology Providers
A Webinar on ‘Indigenous Oxygen Technologies’ was organised by FICCI, Kerala Chapter on 1st June 2021 for the members of the business Fraternity. Prof. Harish Hirani, Director, CSIR-CMERI, along with Dr. SA Ilangovan, Deputy Director, Swaas, VSSC, ISRO, Kerala and Shri Ravindranath K, Sr. DGM, Bharat Electronics Limited , Karnataka were the Key Speakers. Prof. Harish Hirani discussed in detail about Optimization of Oxygen Usage, Oxygen Technologies of CSIR-CMERI and the future steps for Oxygen Optimisation. The Webinar was attended by representatives of MSMEs & Corporate entities who engaged in an intensive interaction with Prof. Harish Hirani.
Prof. Harish Hirani, Director, CSIR-CMERI, shared that as per latest reputed Medical Reports Inhalation constitutes around 33% of the time span of a comprehensive Respiration Cycle. But, prevalent practices provide continuous supply of Oxygen to the patients, thereby leading to wastage of more than 30% of supplied Oxygen. Besides, as per Medical Literature providing over 60% Oxygen, when used for prolonged time, can lead to Oxygen Toxicity. This wastage can be Scientifically Arrested using Analytical Technology Innovations.
Medical Journals of repute state that Nasal Cannulas poses the risk for transmission of Viral Load during the process of exhalation. Further, Coughing multiplies the intensity of transmitting this Viral Load. N95 and NIV masks if geared on top of Nasal Cannulas will prevent the disease spread but hinder proper respiratory function for patients already suffering from lungs related issues.
CSIR-CMERI thus focussed upon an Oxygen Generation Technology with the above Alternative Methodology in mind. The CSIR-CMERI Oxygen Enrichment Technology along with NIV Masks can provide desirable Oxygen in the range of 1-30 LPM. Further, to arrest the wastage of Oxygen CSIR-CMERI is also working upon an Advanced Version of the Oxygen Enrichment Technology which will have the Dual Flexibility of Controlling both Oxygen Enrichment Levels  and Flow-Rate. It can be utilised for both domestic and hospital usage. A Decentralised and In-Situ Oxygen Generation Architecture needs to be espoused to ensure time-bound delivery and also reducing load on larger Medical Facilities by assisting the conversion Mohalla Clinics, Small Clinics into Oxygen Delivery facilities for patients.
Dr. Sahadullah, Co-Chair, FICCI KESC, shared that the demand for Oxygen has spiked exponentially in the recent times. Very few Health care workers and personnel are aware of Oxygen Dosage and Target of Saturation. There is a requirement for Oxygen Auditing and educating Healthcare Workers and Doctors in this regard since Oxygen is a Life-Line for the future. Many Organisations are pursuing imported Oxygen Concentrators instead of looking forward to Quality Indigenous Technologies and Manufacturers. There were huge Transportation Logistics related challenges in the recent past regarding Transportation of Oxygen.
Dr. Dileep Kumar, Dept of Health, Government of Kerala, regarding Oxygen Supply India requires a Sustainable Solution and a Vigorous Supply Chain. With the demand for Oxygen set to multiply, India needs to be adequately equipped with a strategy, which will be able to handle the requirements. Robust planning and Logistics will be able to counter this huge surge in demands of the future. Thus, Business Enterprises should seize the opportunity and bolster ‘Made in India’ Oxygen Technologies.
Dr. SA Ilangovan, Deputy Director, Swaas, VSSC, ISRO, Kerala, presented the ISRO developed SHWAAS Medical Oxygen Concentrator Technology to the attending particpants. He explained the working of PSA, which was used for developing a Cost-Effective Oxygen Concentrator. The Unit functions at a flow of 10 LPM at more than 90% Oxygen concentration and emphasized that the technology is for the common public. He also expressed his concerns for the unavailability of Zeolites in India.
Shri Ravindranath K, Sr. DGM, Bharat Electronics Limited , Karnataka, presented the Bharat Electronics Limited developed Oxygen Concentrator Technology. He shared that few of the imported Technologies tested by his Organisation are below par in terms of the performance. Thus, BEL took the responsibility and developed the indigenous Oxygen Concentrator Technology, which has undergone rigorous endurance and performance testing. BEL is working along with the Government Authorities for sourcing of Zeolites and Compressors.
Shri Bibu B Punnooran, Director, Medivision Scan and Diagnostic Research Center Pvt. Ltd. shared that the priority in the recent times has shifted towards Oxygen Supply from Water Shortages and very rightly so. Oxygen Technologies are the ‘Norm of the Day’ and before the advent of the 3rd Wave, India as a Nation should be ready for the same.